Eviation Aircraft has selected Hartzell Propeller, Inc. as the development partner for its debut aircraft, the all-electric ‘Alice’.

Under the terms of the development partnership, Hartzell Propeller will provide customised and optimised propellers and support systems for the Alice.

Cutting-edge propellers

The Alice will be equipped with an innovative system of new propellers, designed to meet the unique needs of the aircraft. The design and manufacture of the propeller systems are already underway at Hartzell's headquarters in Piqua, Ohio, and will utilise Hartzell's 5-blade carbon fibre blades and bantam hub series to combine reduced weight and maximum performance.

Each of the propellers in the three-unit ship set will be approximately 65 inches in diameter and feature carbon fibre blades with nickel cobalt leading edges, certified for unlimited life. The structural composite propellers will be integrated with Eviation's proprietary technologies, including: thermal management and autonomous landing, distributed electric propulsion, and composite body frames capable of carrying up to nine passengers on a single charge for 650 miles.

Targeting commuters

At the 2017 Paris Airshow, Eviation revealed its plans for the aviation sector's first all-electric aircraft, the Alice. Initially targeting regional commuter routes in the US, Eviation will provide battery-powered fleets to regional carriers in the US.

Eviation says its aircraft can reduce carrier OpEx by up to 70 percent.

Earlier this year, Eviation established its headquarters in Prescott, Arizona.

Joe Brown, Hartzell Propeller President, commented: "Eviation's new regional commuter aircraft provides an exciting opportunity to be a part of the next generation in aircraft powered by electricity. And it is another example of manufacturers utilising our expertise in supplying propeller systems designed to optimise performance specifically for their aircraft and mission profile."

Omer Bar-Yohay, CEO of Eviation, added: "Hartzell is an industry icon in aviation for its innovative propeller designs. It is largely responsible for the two precursors to our battery-power engine – the turboprop propeller and the piston-engine, so we welcome them as a valued partner as together we chart this new era of electric aviation.”

Eviation was launched in in Tel Aviv in 2015. Its team includes aviation and technology leaders from companies such as Phinergy and the Israel Defense Forces.